The Seto-Ohashi Bridge, which connects Honshu and Shikoku, marked its 35th anniversary in 2023.
Kurashiki City's Kojima area is a spot where you can enjoy views of both the Seto-Ohashi Bridge, one of the world's longest combined railway and road bridges, and the springtime tradition of cherry blossoms.
I took my camera and strolled around Ojigadake Rest House and Shimotsui Castle Ruins, where the cherry blossoms are usually at their best from late March to early April. Here is a report on what they looked like on April 9, 2024.
The information provided was current when this article was published in April 2024. Please note that it may differ from current information.
Ojigadake Rest House
About 1,000 cherry trees have been planted on Ojigadake Hill.
Ojigadake Rest House is a Kurashiki City facility near the summit, with a basement floor, a first floor above ground, and a rooftop.
During my visit, I enjoyed the cherry blossoms on the first floor and rooftop.
Inside “⑤Deli Ojigadake” on the first floor
The first floor is home to the cafe ⑤Deli Ojigadake (Maru5deli Ojigadake).
When I entered the cafe, cherry blossoms filled the view through the windows.
While waiting for my cafe order, I stepped out onto the balcony and immediately spotted the Seto-Ohashi Bridge.
It had been raining since the previous day, and a light rain was still falling when I arrived at ⑤Deli Ojigadake. But the waters of the Seto Inland Sea were calm that day, too. Just looking at them put me at ease.
Even on April 9, 2024, there were still buds here and there, so it looked like the cherry blossoms would be enjoyable for a few more days.
As I was engrossed in taking photos, the mixed fruit sandwich I had ordered arrived.
The fruit sandwich filling varies depending on what is available, and that day it contained four kinds of fruit: “strawberry, Setoka mandarin, apple, and kiwi.”
With two kinds of fruit in each sandwich, you can enjoy how the flavors change as you eat.
The rooftop
The rain stopped while I was eating my fruit sandwich.
Climbing the outdoor stairs, you are greeted by a wide-open sky, the calm Seto Inland Sea, and cherry blossoms arranged like a picture.
The islands of the Seto Inland Sea, veiled in haze, are beautiful, too.
Shimotsui Castle Ruins
After leaving Ojigadake Rest House, I drove around Kojima for about 30 minutes and headed to Shimotsui.
Shimotsui Castle Ruins are the remains of a castle on a 89-meter-high hill rising behind Shimotsui Port.
Nearly 300 cherry trees, including Somei Yoshino and mountain cherry varieties, have been planted here.
The area around the Second Bailey Ruins is recommended for capturing the Seto-Ohashi Bridge and cherry blossoms together in a photo.
Even the largest cherry tree, blooming toward the Seto-Ohashi Bridge, still had buds on April 9, 2024.
I also spotted a lovely Japanese camellia.
The mountain trail is well maintained, but there are also steps with large rises, so we recommend wearing comfortable clothing.
From the Writer
On April 9, 2024, some cherry trees at Ojigadake Hill and Shimotsui Castle Ruins had already leafed out, while buds could still be seen here and there.
Cherry blossoms in Kurashiki usually reach their peak from late March to early April, but this year they bloomed a little later.
Last year (2023) marked the 35th anniversary of the opening of the Seto-Ohashi Bridge, while Setonaikai National Park, which overlooks the Seto Inland Sea, celebrates its 90th anniversary this year (2024).
Why not enjoy spring while admiring the cherry blossoms alongside the magnificent Seto-Ohashi Bridge and the tranquil Seto Inland Sea?
Ojigadake Rest House and Shimotsui Castle Ruins Information
| Name | Ojigadake Rest House and Shimotsui Castle Ruins |
|---|---|
| Address | Kojima, Kurashiki City |
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